I thought I'd post my before and after photos finally! I hope I do this right. The two "before" pictures were taken during a business trip to China in September 2006. It was pretty close to my high weight of 150. The two after photos were taken within the last couple of months ... one during a "bike to lunch" event at work, the other during a recent half marathon event. Do I look different?

And I have to say that you're the happiest runner I've ever seen. I always joke that no one smiles when they're running, but you are certainly the exception to the rule. You are simply glowing in your last two photos.

Thank you so much for the encouraging words!! I do feel great -- in the best shape of my life. I am so grateful to be able to run, and bike, and hike, and do all of the active things that I love. I have an active husband and two teenage boys, and I am able to keep up with them now! It was actually surprising to me to look back and see just how far I've come. Now, when I look in the mirror, I just see "normal" for me. And I'm 48, so it is definitely possible to lose weight and improve your fitness level at any age!